Since I am doing a lot of trying out extensions, I regularly find that my computer is full of stray installation files. I find them in my downloads, my desktop, the "still figuring out" folder and so on.

Fortunately, Joomla has found a solution for this: "Install from web".
This option allows you to directly install extensions listed in the JED (Joomla Extensions Directory), without first having to go to the developer website, download the file and then upload the same file into your Joomla installation.

How do you install extensions directly from the web?

To enable "Install from web", go to yourwebsite.co.uk/administrator --> Extensions --> Extension Manager.

On this page you will see:

Click the Add "install from web" tab and a new tab will appear next to Upload package file.

The extensions are sorted by popularity by default and the page has a handy category list and search function.

Find the extension and click on it for more information.

The information page tells you everything you need. The latest update, licence, extension type, extension description and links to the JED and Developer website. At the top, you have the option to view the reviews (opens in separate window).

By clicking the green button, you install the extension immediately. And you're done!

An additional advantage is that you will always have the most recent version.

If you do not use this function afterwards, you can remove the tab by uninstalling the "Install - Install from web" plugin via extensions --> plugin manager. This plugin also allows you to change the position of the tab.

Not all extensions have the option to install directly yet. Sometimes you have to register on the developer's page first. Some extensions are commercial and only downloadable when you have paid. However, in the coming months, more and more extensions will be directly installable via this feature.